These popular face masks may irritate and damage your skin, dermatologist warns
Why you should avoid using homemade face masks (photo: Freepik)
Homemade face masks made from readily available ingredients lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. They provide no real benefit and may even severely irritate the skin, according to dermatologist Kateryna Bakiko.
The internet is full of recipes for miracle homemade masks. People are often convinced by their naturalness, affordability, lack of preservatives, and freshness. However, such products have many disadvantages.
Active substances cannot penetrate the skin
The skin is a natural barrier protecting us from the external environment. Ingredients from food have molecules that are too large to penetrate the skin barrier. They remain on the surface, without affecting cell function or nourishing the skin.
The best way to benefit from vitamins and micronutrients from food is to eat them. When consumed, they are absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to skin cells from within.
Vitamins in masks are unstable
Vitamins are present in low concentrations, oxidize quickly, and lose effectiveness.
Even if the concentration were sufficient, these substances still would not penetrate the skin.
“Hair scalp masks made from onion, garlic, or pepper are often used to stimulate blood circulation in hopes of accelerating hair growth. In reality, they only cause irritation and temporary blood flow, but do not affect hair follicles,” the doctor noted.
In addition, aggressive ingredients can cause irritation, dermatitis, dryness, and itching. There is also no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these methods.
Cosmetics are science-based
Scientists and pharmacists spend years developing cosmetics to ensure active ingredients are effective and able to penetrate the skin.
These components undergo complex synthesis processes that allow them to act more deeply. They contain effective concentrations of active substances that simply do not exist in natural foods.
Cosmetics are developed based on scientific principles.
Homemade masks are not effective long-term
Homemade masks may give a temporary fresh effect, but they do not improve skin condition at a cellular level.
It is better to choose professional skincare products developed based on scientific research.
Natural is not always safe
Homemade masks may not only be useless but also harmful. Egg yolk and honey create an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
Meanwhile, lemon and strawberries can cause irritation, increased sun sensitivity, and pigmentation. Dairy products, oils, fats, and honey can clog pores and trigger acne.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
